Frederic Melton
Dogs can develop a cheesy odour due to various reasons, such as yeast infections, bacterial infections, skin conditions, or even their diet. It is important to identify the underlying cause of the odour to address it effectively. Regular grooming, veterinary visits, and maintaining proper hygiene can help prevent and manage unpleasant smells. In some cases, a change in diet or medication may be necessary to resolve the issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of cheesy odour | Yeast infections, particularly in areas like the ears or paws, where yeast tends to thrive due to moisture |
| Symptoms of yeast infection | Cheesy smell, redness, itchiness, swelling, excessive scratching or licking, butt scooting |
| Treatment for yeast infection | Antifungal medications (topical or oral), medicated shampoos, ear drops, oral medications |
| Prevention of yeast infection | Regular grooming, keeping the ears and paws clean and dry, regular veterinary check-ups |
| Other causes of bad odour | Anal gland issues, skin problems (e.g. canine seborrhea, oily skin, dandruff), diet, environment, underlying health issues |
| General odour prevention | Regular bathing, brushing, cleaning bedding and toys, using dry shampoo, consulting a veterinarian |
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What You'll Learn
- Yeast infections, particularly in the ears and paws, are a common cause of cheesy odour in dogs
- Skin problems, such as canine seborrhea, can cause a musty, cheesy smell
- Impacted anal glands can cause a foul odour that won't go away with bathing
- Intestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can cause excessive gas with a putrid smell
- Environmental factors, such as grass or hay, can contribute to a dog's overall scent
Yeast infections, particularly in the ears and paws, are a common cause of cheesy odour in dogs
Yeast infections are opportunistic and can occur on the paws, ears, or skin folds. They are often a result of an underlying problem that creates inflammation of the skin, such as allergies. Regular grooming and veterinary visits are essential to address and prevent yeast infections. Keeping the ears and paws clean and dry can help reduce the likelihood of a cheesy odour. After baths, swims, or walks in the rain, thoroughly drying these areas with a gentle towel or a low-heat hairdryer can help prevent yeast overgrowth.
In addition to moisture control, selecting the right shampoo is crucial. While a good shampoo can eliminate most bad odours, some smells, like that of skunk spray, may require a specialised shampoo. Dry shampoo can be used on days when a full bath is not feasible, as it absorbs excess oil and eliminates odours without water. Regular brushing of the dog's coat is also important to remove dirt, debris, and loose fur, preventing matting and distributing natural oils throughout the coat. This helps keep the coat healthy and less susceptible to yeast growth.
It is important to note that yeast infections can be uncomfortable for dogs and may indicate an underlying condition. If you suspect your dog has a yeast infection, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options typically include antifungal medications, which can be topical or oral, depending on the severity. Practising good hygiene and identifying the underlying cause are key to preventing recurrence.
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Skin problems, such as canine seborrhea, can cause a musty, cheesy smell
Canine seborrhea can result in a strong odour emanating from the skin, often compared to the smell of "corn chips" or "cheese curls". This smell is caused by the overgrowth of normal yeast and bacteria multiplying on the skin. The self-trauma that occurs in itchy animals increases the likelihood of a secondary infection, which can worsen the odour.
Primary seborrhea is an inherited skin disorder, typically affecting American Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, Dachshunds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherd dogs. It is a genetic disease that causes a defect in keratinization, resulting in abnormal amounts of keratin production. Secondary seborrhea, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying issue such as skin allergies, hormonal imbalances, or other health problems.
Treatment for seborrhea aims to address the underlying cause. Medicated shampoos are often used to help control the condition and speed up the skin's return to a normal state. These shampoos can decrease the number of bacteria and yeast on the skin surface, reduce scaling and sebum production, and alleviate itching. Regular bathing and proper grooming can also help manage the smell, although a persistent odour may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires veterinary attention.
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Impacted anal glands can cause a foul odour that won't go away with bathing
A dog's bad odour can be due to several reasons, one of which is impacted anal glands. These glands, located on both sides of a dog's rectum, contain an oily secretion that is released during bowel movements. If these glands become infected or filled with thicker secretions than usual, they cannot be emptied fully, and the resulting foul odour will linger on your dog's bed, blankets, and anywhere it sleeps or rests. This smell will not go away with bathing.
In such cases, a veterinarian can empty the anal glands to provide relief to the dog and will recommend dietary changes to reduce sensitivities to certain foods that may be causing the problem.
Another common cause of a dog's cheesy odour is a yeast infection. Dogs can develop a fungus or yeast problem, often called Candida, due to their diet, antibiotics, bad nutrition, vaccinations, thyroid problems, medications, or an illness. The most common cause is a poor diet, typically one that is high in grain and lacks fresh meat, live enzymes, and probiotics. Yeast infections cause a pungent, musty smell that will remind you of mouldy bread or cheese, and can result in ear problems, stinky paws, and smelly skin.
To address and prevent yeast infections, regular grooming and vet visits are essential. Treatment options include medicated shampoos, ear drops, and oral medications. Practising good hygiene, such as keeping the ears and paws clean and dry, can help prevent yeast overgrowth and reduce the likelihood of a cheesy odour.
Additionally, maintaining proper moisture levels in problem areas is crucial. After baths, swims, or walks in the rain, thoroughly dry your dog's ears and paws with a gentle towel or a low-heat hairdryer to prevent moisture accumulation, which creates an ideal environment for yeast growth.
While bathing can help manage some bad odours, it is important to identify the underlying cause of the smell. Regular brushing between baths can also help reduce unpleasant smells by removing dirt, pollen, dead skin cells, and dried saliva from your dog's fur.
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Intestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can cause excessive gas with a putrid smell
The excessive formation of gas in the stomach or intestine is referred to as flatulence, which can be caused by dietary changes or eating spoiled food. A diet that is poorly digested by the dog can lead to excessive fermentation in the colon and subsequent gas formation. Soybeans, peas, beans, milk products, high-fat diets, and spicy foods are commonly associated with flatulence in dogs. Most dogs are lactose intolerant and will experience flatulence if fed dairy products.
In addition to IBD, other gastrointestinal problems can also lead to excessive gas and a putrid smell. These problems can include an impaired ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal issues may include fecal examinations, blood and urine tests, abdominal X-rays, and intestinal biopsies. Treatment for gastrointestinal issues often involves a change in diet.
Yeast infections, which can cause a pungent, musty smell reminiscent of moldy bread or cheese, can also be a factor in excessive gas. Yeast infections are opportunistic and can occur on a dog's paws, ears, or skin folds. These infections often indicate an underlying problem that creates inflammation of the skin. Regular bathing and grooming may help control the smell, but it is important to address the underlying cause by consulting with a veterinarian.
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Environmental factors, such as grass or hay, can contribute to a dog's overall scent
Dogs can pick up scents from their environment, and these environmental factors can contribute to a dog's overall scent. Dogs with yards often smell like grass, and dogs from rural homes can smell like hay.
If your dog smells like cheese curls, this could be due to a number of reasons. One possible explanation is a yeast infection, which is a common problem for dogs. Yeast infections cause a pungent, musty smell that may remind you of moldy bread or cheese. They can result in ear problems, stinky paws, and smelly skin. Other symptoms of a yeast infection include itchy paws, itchy ears, and butt scooting.
Another possible reason for the cheese-like smell could be impacted anal glands. These glands are located on both sides of the dog's rectum and can cause a foul smell that won't go away with regular bathing. However, this usually smells like rotting fish rather than cheese.
It's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the exact cause of the cheese-like smell and receive appropriate treatment. Bathing your dog regularly, at least once a week, can help control the smell until you are able to address the underlying issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Your dog may have a yeast infection, which is a common cause of cheesy odour in dogs. This is often found in the ears or paws, where yeast tends to thrive due to moisture.
Apart from the cheesy smell, you may notice redness, itchiness, and possibly swelling in the affected areas. Your dog might also exhibit signs of discomfort, such as excessive scratching or licking.
Treatment options include antifungal medications, medicated shampoos, ear drops, and oral medications. It is important to keep the affected areas clean and dry to prevent yeast overgrowth. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are recommended.
Yes, there are several reasons why dogs may develop a bad smell. Skin problems, such as canine seborrhea, hormone imbalances, parasites, or bacterial infections, can all contribute to unpleasant odours. Impacted anal glands, dietary issues, and environmental factors, such as detergents or perfumes, can also be the culprit.
